High Court Upholds Tradition: Mankessim Royal Family Leadership Dispute Resolved
MANKESSIM — In a landmark ruling that underscores the power of due process in Ghana's customary systems, the High Court in Mankessim has declared that Mr. Kojo Ankomah Dickson is not the legitimate Ebusuapanyin, or head, of the Paakesedo Nsona Royal Family. This decision, delivered by His Lordship Justice Jonathan Avogo, PhD, is a win for transparency and consensus-building in traditional leadership — values that drive progress across Africa.
The court upheld a writ of summons filed on March 5, 2026, by key family leaders, including Nana Araba Otua II, Obaapanyin of the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family and Obaahemaa of the Mankessim Traditional Area; Nana Akyea Forson, Acting Ebusuapanyin; Amin Iddrisu, Principal Elder; and Efua Atta, Principal Elder and Obaapanyin of Kormantse. Their challenge centered on whether Mr. Dickson had been lawfully appointed under customary law.
What the Court Ruled
The court granted several key declarations: First, that Mr. Kojo Ankomah Dickson is not the legitimate Ebusuapanyin. Second, that all transactions he undertook after his removal as interim head are null and void. Third, a perpetual injunction restrains him from holding any self-ordination ceremony or presenting himself as the legitimate family head. Fourth, he is barred from parading as Ebusuapanyin or engaging in transactions involving family lands.
Justice Avogo found that Mr. Dickson was appointed only in an interim capacity after the death of substantive Ebusuapanyin Kwame Egyir Baiden. During cross-examination, Mr. Dickson admitted that some family members opposed his nomination by Nana Araba Otua II, but he was maintained as interim head. The court ruled this admission confirmed he was never appointed as substantive Ebusuapanyin. Any purported confirmation in July 2022 could not lawfully restore his status without a fresh nomination and appointment under customary law.
Customary Law Precedent: A Lesson for Modern Governance
The judgment cited the landmark case Lartey v. Mensah and Dedei & Others (1958) 3 W.A.L.R. 410, which established that a family head must be appointed at a properly convened meeting involving all principal elders. Failure to notify all eligible elders renders any appointment invalid unless they later ratify it. This ruling reaffirms that tradition and due process are not obstacles to progress — they are its foundation.
Legal analysts say this decision reinforces the importance of consensus in Fante tradition, a model that can inspire transparent leadership in business and governance. For entrepreneurs and diaspora investors watching Ghana's growth, this clarity is a signal of stability. When traditional institutions operate with integrity, they create an environment where innovation and investment thrive.
Family Calls for Calm, Eyes on Future
Following the judgment, the Paakesedo Royal Nsona Family urged members and the public to respect the court's decision. They called for calm, insisting that any claims portraying Mr. Dickson as legitimate Ebusuapanyin are contrary to the ruling and could disturb peace in Mankessim. Observers note this brings clarity to the leadership structure ahead of major traditional activities in the area.
This is more than a legal victory. It is a testament to how Ghana's institutions — from courts to chieftaincies — are evolving to uphold fairness and accountability. As Africa rises, such rulings build trust. They show that tradition and modernity can coexist, creating a foundation for economic growth and diaspora engagement.
For the Mankessim Traditional Area, this ruling opens doors. With clear leadership, the family can focus on development projects, land management, and community initiatives that attract investment. The message is clear: in Ghana, justice and tradition go hand in hand, and that is good for business.